Eyitayo Jegede Withdraws from Ondo Governorship Race, Pledges Support for PDP Aspirants

Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a two-time candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming 2024 governorship election. Jegede, who contested as the PDP candidate in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, stated his commitment to making sacrifices to provide solutions to the party’s problems rather than adding to them.

Addressing his supporters across the state’s 18 local government areas in Akure, the state capital, Jegede expressed his dedication to ensuring the PDP’s victory at the polls. He emphasized the need to reexamine whether to proceed with his candidacy or take a detour that could guarantee alignment with the majority opinion regarding equitable representation, equity, and fair play, especially at the governorship level.

Jegede noted that the PDP’s constitution does not support zoning, as demonstrated by the election of successive Governors based on merit rather than zoning considerations. He highlighted the abundance of competent and distinguished governorship aspirants within the party, stating that it was time to allow these individuals the opportunity to contest in the primary election and, hopefully, win the governorship election.

He expressed his intention to support all governorship aspirants, providing them with every support available to him. Jegede concluded by stating that his decision to withdraw was necessary in light of the upcoming potential activities in the state and the party, and to avoid repeating the same process experienced in 2016 and 2020.

Jegede’s withdrawal from the governorship race signifies a strategic move to promote party unity and strengthen the PDP’s chances of success in the upcoming election. His decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing the party’s interests and ensuring a fair and competitive primary election process.

Politics Nigeria